Hello, Hillside Families!

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the weekend with your wonderful children!

We had an amazing first week of school, and we are grateful for your support in ensuring that our students arrive at school on time, are prepared with their materials, and come with smiles on their faces!  Students settled nicely into routines, and spent the week becoming part of their new class communities.  It was such a pleasure to welcome returning students, as well as new students across all grades.  The energy around school has been amazing, which is undoubtedly a sign of a wonderful school year ahead!

On Wednesday, September 11, we will participate in a school-wide moment of silence to honor the lives of civilians and first responders lost on 9-11-01 and since.  Our hearts go out to anyone who lost a loved one that day.  May their memories live on forever.

As a friendly reminder, Summer Reading Logs (grades 1-5) and Summer Bridge Books (grades 1 and 2; received in June) are due to your children's teachers by this Friday, September 13th.  We look forward to celebrating students who completed these assignments at the 11th Annual Back to School Pep Rally on October 11th!

Back to School Night will be held on Thursday, September 19th.  Please see this letter (same as the one sent Friday) for complete information.  Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you there!

The Livingston Youth and Community Services organization will offer its "LYCS Leaders" program once again this year at Hillside School for students in grades 1-5.  Interested families can find information here.  For your planning, the year's program schedule can be found here.  

September is National Library Card Signup Month.  Livingston has an extraordinary public library with much to offer its community.  Families are encouraged to sign up children for a card, and make use of what is one of the best public libraries in the area.  Information can be found here.

Hillside School celebrates a special milestone tomorrow, September 9.  The date marks the school's 70th anniversary!  It is my proud privilege to serve as the school's principal for this special occasion, and we look forward to celebrating with the school community next month at the PTA's Fall Festival (more to come about that!).  I have included an article about the school's opening at the end of this message for your enjoyment.  If anyone knows the whereabouts of the four Kindergarten students in the photo, or anyone who was a student in any grade for the school's opening in 1954, please let me know.  We'd love to include them in our commemorations.  Thank you, and Happy Birthday, Hillside School!

Enjoy the day, and we look forward to seeing your children tomorrow!

Best regards,

Mr. Gramata

P.S. These weekly messages are also posted on the school's site for your convenience. 

P.P.S. Follow Hillside School on X/Twitter at @Hillside_Elem!

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Upcoming Dates to Remember!

Week of September 9, 2024

Monday, 9-9: Happy 70th, Hillside School!

Tuesday, 9-10: BOE Workshop Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, 9-13: Hillside Summer Reading Logs Due to Classroom Teachers 

Sunday, 9-15: Hispanic Heritage Month Begins

Week of September 16, 2024

Wednesday, 9-18: PTA Meeting (via Zoom), 7:00 p.m. (click here for Zoom link)

Thursday, 9-19:  Back to School Night, 6:45 p.m. (click for letter) - Door 9 opens at 6:35!

Friday, 9-20:  First School Store

PTA's Outdoor Movie Night, 7:00 p.m.

Week of September 23, 2024

Monday, 9-23:  PTA Online Cookie Sale Begins

Tuesday, 9-24: BOE Voting Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, 9-26: Fifth Grade Team-Building Experience, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Friday, 9-27: PTA's Outdoor Movie Night Rain Date